Young people in the Middle East have spoken of their fears after the US government decided to freeze overseas student interviews and plan to begin vetting their social media accounts.
The directive signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent to diplomatic and consular posts halts interview appointments at US universities.
The move was announced only days after the US took steps to bar foreign students from Harvard University as part of a campaign against some higher education institutions.
The Trump administration said Harvard has not done enough to fight against anti-Semitism and change its admissions practices – allegations the university has strongly denied.
Consular officers have, since March, had to conduct mandatory social media reviews looking for evidence of support for “terrorist activity or a terrorist organisation”, which could be as broad as showing support for the Palestinian cause, The Guardian reported, quoting a State Department message.
In 2023-2024, the US hosted a record high of 1.1 million international students. About 90,000 are from the Arab World, according to estimates.
Students left in limbo
For Noor, a 20-year-old Syrian student accepted into a Ivy League university, the moment she received her US visa should have been a triumph. Instead, it has left her sick with anxiety.
"I got my visa last week, but what if it gets revoked? Even if it doesn’t, I’m scared I might not be allowed into the States," she told The National.
The student still believes the US will provide her with the best opportunity to pursue her academic ambitions.
"Despite everything, I still believe going to the US is my best option,” said Noor. "As a Syrian, I need a full scholarship – and that's hard to find elsewhere.”
She is well aware, however, of the challenges she and fellow students in the region must overcome to study in the US.
"There's a real fear among Mena students that their identity could work against them,” she said. "I've even avoided posting anything political, especially about Palestine. Once we're in the US, we won't be able to speak freely. People are being arrested for what they post."
Swapping US for Finland
Arjun Menon Tiwari, 17, who has lived most of his life in Abu Dhabi, was accepted into US universities including NYU, UNC Chapel Hill and Boston University. But he has made the difficult decision to walk away.
"With the new Trump administration, a lot of student visas are being taken away,” he said. "If I'm not able to stay long enough to complete my degree and find a job, then it's not worth the risk.”
Arjun has instead chosen to study computer science at the University of Helsinki in Finland, favouring not only the country's high-quality education but also its reputation for happiness, safety and long-term opportunity.
"It was disappointing to let go of a dream, but in hindsight, it feels like the best decision.
"Europe feels more stable. There's less risk, and the opportunities are still world-class. You have to think long term, not just about getting in, but what happens after.”
Aisha Almekhlafi, a 21-year-old psychology graduate from UAE University, faces a nerve-racking wait before finding out where her future lies. She was accepted into a master's programme at NYU starting in September, but is still to receive her visa.
"It's been really stressful,” she said. "Everything depends on getting that visa – my travel, my housing, even my mental focus. A colleague of mine had her visa rejected and lost an entire term. That fear is always there.”
The timing has upset the plans for thousands of students, particularly from those from regions already under tight scrutiny.
One parent, with a daughter set to return to study in the US after the summer, told The National that she will have to wipe all social media posts and WhatsApp messages before returning. Her daughter is frequently asked, on returning to the US from the UAE, why she spends so much time in the Middle East, she added.
Anxiety grows with uncertainty
At UniHawk, a UAE-based university counselling firm supporting hundreds of US-bound applications, the mood has darkened.
"Even those who've already secured their visas and booked accommodation are now asking if they should proceed,” said Varun Jain, chief executive of UniHawk. "There's considerable anxiety, especially among students with upcoming embassy appointments.”
In response, Mr Jain said his team was encouraging students to keep their options open. "We always advise strong backup plans – the UK, Canada, UAE, Australia or Europe," he added. "Even those admitted to their dream universities are now actively considering alternatives, not out of doubt in their choice, but out of precaution.”
Mr Jain said students can still apply to top universities in the UK through UCAS Clearing, or directly to institutions in Ireland, Europe and Australia. Many top-tier Australian universities – often referred to as the Group of Eight – are still accepting applications.
For some, enrolling in a university in the UAE for their first year and transferring later to the US when the situation stabilises is a practical strategy.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More on animal trafficking
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE’s revised Cricket World Cup League Two schedule
August, 2021: Host - United States; Teams - UAE, United States and Scotland
Between September and November, 2021 (dates TBC): Host - Namibia; Teams - Namibia, Oman, UAE
December, 2021: Host - UAE; Teams - UAE, Namibia, Oman
February, 2022: Hosts - Nepal; Teams - UAE, Nepal, PNG
June, 2022: Hosts - Scotland; Teams - UAE, United States, Scotland
September, 2022: Hosts - PNG; Teams - UAE, PNG, Nepal
February, 2023: Hosts - UAE; Teams - UAE, PNG, Nepal
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
